Kevin Waite
This is a stretch of the Firth of
Clyde from the Waterside Inn (NS 207 460) to the Seamill Hydro (NS 202 471). Access is possible
from the car parks on the A78. The nearest train station is at West Kilbride (2km). There is a
path along the beach. There is also a good cycle path all along this part of the coast with
good views of the Isle of Arran. The best time of year for birding is over the winter (and you
avoid the crowds in the summer). This part of the coast is mostly rocky.
No access for wheelchairs – locked gate/wicket gate for
pedestrians.
The coastal cycle route from Ardrossan to Largs follows
the shore.
The rocks near the Waterside Inn give good views out to sea and are good for divers (the three commoner species) in winter, Manx Shearwater passing through, Black Guillemot, Gannet, Red-breasted Merganser, and a Little Auk was rescued here. The off-shore islets (Limpet Craig) are roosting sites for Shag, Cormorant, Eider, waders (including Purple Sandpiper). The tide-line is good for Rock Pipit and passage White Wagtail. It is worth going through the duck flocks: a Green-winged Teal was here in December 2000.
Behind the pumping station is a rough field with a peaty pool. This is very good for Snipe and Jack Snipe (up to 6 at once) and it pays to stomp around the edge (in wellies!). The adjacent field often has large flocks of Curlew (over 200) and Lapwing.
Keep an eye on the fields and woods on the other side of the A78 for Buzzard, Kestrel and lots more Curlew. Also check out the flocks of crows for an occasional Hooded Crow (and hybrids).
The rocky pools in front of the houses
at Seamill are good for Greenshank, with a resident most winters. Sedge
Warbler and Stonechat can be seen in the gorse. The burn coming down the
side of the Seamill Hydro is good for bathing gulls and ducks (Wigeon, Teal, Mallard,
Eider). A Black Redstart has wintered here several times. Look at the rocks
offshore (Brither Rocks) for sunbathing seals.
The Waterside Inn is a child-friendly hostelry with food all day.
Last updated: January 2003
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